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Less of me so there can be more of you.
Ken Silva1 Peter 4:2-4
As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. Fot you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.
The Apostle Peter speaks to all of us on how we should be living our lives in Christ. If there has truly been a conversion in our lives, if we are truly following the ways of Christ, we should shake off our "human desires" and follow the will of God. Peter is saying conversion is not easy, the pull of the flesh is attractive, the harsh rebuke we get from our old friends is painful, but in the end we are all judged by the the only one that counts, the one true God. When we make a decision to follow Jesus we must close the door on our old lives.
I've been sick this past week. I don't normally get sick, but I had a bad cold then got slammed by a terrible stomach virus. I was out of it for a while. I couldn't eat, had no strength, felt terrible and found myself praying to God for relief from my situation. It is amazing how God speaks to us through circumstances. I could hear him saying, "now, only now when you are flat on your back do you come to me". "I have been trying to get your attention for a while". Maybe I needed to be "afflicted" so that I would slow down and get a better understanding of where God wanted me to be. Understand better how God wanted to make sure I cherish the relationships He placed in my life (wife, kids, family, friends). Not be so tasked oriented but rather God oriented. Taking the time to listen for His voice, to go deeper into my devotions, to be more patient in this season of extreme busyness. To not fall into an old bad habit of putting work above all else.
Dear Lord thank you for who you are. Thank you for loving me even when I stray from you. You are a patient, merciful and loving father. I worship and adore you. Amen.
